Supermarket opening hours during lockdown revealed: Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and more


What time are supermarkets open from during lockdown? We've got the details


supermarkets opening
Megan Bull
Megan BullTV Writer
November 3, 2020

As the UK prepares to go back into a second full lockdown on Thursday amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, supermarkets across the nation will remain open with special hours in place for vulnerable shoppers and NHS workers.

From Tesco, Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury's to Lidl, Aldi and Iceland, here's everything you need to know about supermarket opening times.

We've tracked all the major changes this time around, making it easier for you to plan your weekly trip to the supermarket and avoid panic-buying mayhem.

Read on to discover when you should visit the shops…

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Marks & Spencer

Three people outside M&S Foodhall. One person with a dog, another with a bicycle.

Marks & Spencer stores are continuing to operate within normal opening hours, subject to change.

M&S still has special hours in place to help shoppers; on Mondays and Thursdays the first trading hour is reserved for older or vulnerable customers - this includes over 70s, pregnant women or anyone with a long-term condition or a weakened immune system. Meanwhile, on Tuesdays and Fridays, the first trading hour is reserved for NHS and emergency services workers.

To find out the individual opening hours of your nearest store, excluding those in petrol stations or railway stations, please visit marksandspencer.com. 

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Tesco

Several people stand outside a Tesco Extra store, chatting and waiting.

The majority of Tesco Extra stores and larger Metro stores will typically open between 6am and 10pm, however customers should head to tesco.com to confirm before travelling to their nearest store. 

Tesco stores (excluding Express stores) are still prioritising the elderly and vulnerable for one hour from 9am to 10am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 

NHS, emergency service, and care workers also have priority access, allowing them to skip the queue upon presentation of valid ID.

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Sainsburys

Several people stand outside Sainsbury's store, some with trolleys, engaged in shopping.

Sainsbury's have extended their opening hours, with most supermarkets open from 7am to 10pm. They have also extended opening hours in many Convenience stores up until 10 or 11pm.

The supermarket is allowing NHS and social care workers to shop in-store for half an hour before they open each day. Anyone in possession of an NHS ID can have priority access to the shop from 7.30am to 8am every day from Monday to Saturday.

In addition to this, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Sainsbury's is still dedicating between 8am and 9am to serving elderly customers, disabled customers and carers.

To find your nearest store go to sainsburys.co.uk.

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Asda 

People shopping at an ASDA store with a large green sign above the entrance.

The supermarket is now offering 24-hour opening times in some stores. Most stores are currently closing at 11pm or midnight.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Asda is continuing to prioritise NHS workers from 8am to 9am in its larger stores.

You can check your local store opening times on the Asda Store Locator which is being regularly updated with the latest information and available at asda.com.

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Morrisons

Two people, one in a blue coat, enter a Morrisons store with glass walls.

Morrisons has an NHS priority hour from 7am to 8am Monday to Saturday. Anyone with an NHS badge can get into the store early to buy essentials. 

The majority of Morrisons stores will operate from 8am until 8pm however customers are advised to check online at morrisons.com before travelling to their nearest store. 

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Waitrose 

Several people stand outside a large, modern Waitrose store with glass walls and a curved roof.

Waitrose shops are open as usual, with the exception of those within John Lewis stores. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the first opening hour is still dedicated to elderly and vulnerable shoppers.

Customers can check the opening hours of their nearest store at waitrose.com.

Lidl 

Several people stand outside a Lidl store entrance. Cars parked nearby.

Lidl stores are still open as normal, however please check opening hours of individual stores by heading to lidl.co.uk.

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Aldi 

Crowd of people with shopping carts outside an ALDI store.

Aldi's daily opening hours have returned to normal, from 8am until 10pm. Sunday opening hours are reduced.

From Monday to Saturday, stores are opening 30 minutes earlier for elderly and vulnerable customers, to ensure that they can shop as safely as possible. In England and Wales, this is browsing time only while in Scotland, customers are able to buy straight away.

Visit aldi.co.uk to check opening hours for your nearest store.

Iceland

Red Iceland store entrance with stacked toilet paper packs and a person inside.

Most Iceland stores are open from 8am to 9pm, however, this may vary from store to store so customers are advised to confirm opening hours in advance.

The last hour of trade is reserved for NHS customers who are able to produce an official NHS ID.

Find out more at iceland.co.uk.

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